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An Author's Secret
Ankana, an electronics showroom supervisor and aspiring author, lives a quiet, uneventful life. That all changes when her estranged brother, a famous writer, meets with an accidental death. Ankana is presented with a chance to become an author by completing her brother’s unfinished novel.Many layers of mystery unfold, making her writing journey exciting, until one night, she wakes up with a chilling realisation, the story harbours a dark secret from real life. Is there some truth to Ankana’s suspicions, or is she merely imagining things? If she is right, can she unravel the sinister secret?
320 pages, Paperback
Published December 13, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 10, 2025
Ankana is our narrator.
Everyone I know who’s been to Bangalore expresses their fondness for the city and longing to return, except our main character, Ankana. For me, the mystery unravelling began from there, why she finds this city distasteful.
Reading romance is a smooth sail; it is living in the moments, moving forward line by line, page after page. On the other end, reading mysteries, thriller mean focusing on every line, suspecting every minor detail for the possibility of turning out to be a major event or plot. It is reliving every moment for the possibility of a foreshadowing trail of thrill to the revelation. Reading a mystery novel is going backward to find loose ends.
“With due respect, Sir, proving a crime needs the right facts and evidence. Solving a crime needs great imagination.”
Consider this: one is given a task to complete a murder mystery novel that has so many loose ends. How does one pick up where the author left off, who he intended to be framed for a horrendous murder, where there are so many plausible loose ends to be suspicious about? If he added such a suspicious situation only to spice up one's imagination, without having any relevant connection to the plot.
There is humour blended in these horror events. There is a reader’s dilemma and responsibility to meet to lock loose ends of an incomplete murder mystery novel while having to meet the quality of the existing text, a legacy to maintain.
Ankana went through all the loose ends left behind by the previous author, who happened to be her half-brother, who lived in Bangalore. Hence, while convincing you to read this blockbuster, I have just discovered I have solved a case for you, and why Ankana disliked the joyous city everyone longs to return to.
The thrill of mystery didn’t end in fixing the loose ends and completing the incomplete novel… mystery kept unfolding till the end.
Everyone I know who’s been to Bangalore expresses their fondness for the city and longing to return, except our main character, Ankana. For me, the mystery unravelling began from there, why she finds this city distasteful.
Reading romance is a smooth sail; it is living in the moments, moving forward line by line, page after page. On the other end, reading mysteries, thriller mean focusing on every line, suspecting every minor detail for the possibility of turning out to be a major event or plot. It is reliving every moment for the possibility of a foreshadowing trail of thrill to the revelation. Reading a mystery novel is going backward to find loose ends.
“With due respect, Sir, proving a crime needs the right facts and evidence. Solving a crime needs great imagination.”
Consider this: one is given a task to complete a murder mystery novel that has so many loose ends. How does one pick up where the author left off, who he intended to be framed for a horrendous murder, where there are so many plausible loose ends to be suspicious about? If he added such a suspicious situation only to spice up one's imagination, without having any relevant connection to the plot.
There is humour blended in these horror events. There is a reader’s dilemma and responsibility to meet to lock loose ends of an incomplete murder mystery novel while having to meet the quality of the existing text, a legacy to maintain.
Ankana went through all the loose ends left behind by the previous author, who happened to be her half-brother, who lived in Bangalore. Hence, while convincing you to read this blockbuster, I have just discovered I have solved a case for you, and why Ankana disliked the joyous city everyone longs to return to.
The thrill of mystery didn’t end in fixing the loose ends and completing the incomplete novel… mystery kept unfolding till the end.
August 22, 2025
An Author’s Secret is a gripping mystery-thriller that combines suspense, familial bonds, and the nuances of fiction versus reality. The story deftly follows Ankana, a meek showroom supervisor and wannabe writer, whose life turns upside down when she learns of the sudden passing of her estranged brother, a renowned author. With the drastic twist of fate, she agrees to finish his unfinished story, but soon finds himself in an unsettling journey to uncover a potentially disturbing real world secret attached to the manuscript. The novel's two well-formed but distinct story lines provide a stunning "story inside a story" reader experience. Santosh Vishwanath presents a compelling, well-paced narrative, filled with well-placed twists, emotion, character development, and just enough eeriness to pull the reader in. As a character, Ankana remained relatable and grounded, making me personally dedicate additional time to understanding her history, as well as solving the mystery she was revealing in her brother's manuscript. The primary factor of the book's readability is the accessible language used. While the writing is simple, straightforward, and beginner-friendly, it still provides the thrills and excitement of a tightly woven mystery. The author has created a novel that balances suspense with emotion, originality and author's intent, which makes sure its entertains without having to constantly re-engage the author before handing over the book to its next reader. Simply, An Author's Secret was enormously entertaining and thought-provoking that any reader that fancies suspense or mystery fiction would engage with this wonderfully crafted experienced that will stay with them long past the last page. It's a smartly crafted debut that will continue beyond the last page.
July 18, 2025
"An Author's Secret" by Santosh Vishwanath plunges readers into a compelling mystery that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. The narrative centers around Ankana, a seemingly ordinary electronics showroom supervisor with a hidden desire to become an author. Her life takes an unexpected turn with the sudden demise of her estranged brother, a celebrated writer, leaving behind an unfinished manuscript that becomes the key to a potentially dark and unsettling truth.
Ankana serves as a strong and relatable protagonist. Author portrays her internal struggles and evolving determination convincingly. Her desire to understand her brother and his work, coupled with her growing unease about the content of his novel, drives the narrative forward.
Author’s writing is noted for its clarity and engaging prose. The narrative is well-paced, maintaining suspense without overwhelming the reader.The author manages to balance the internal thoughts and feelings of Ankana with the external unfolding of the mystery, creating a well-rounded reading experience.
The book also touches upon family secrets, the complexities of estranged relationships, and the subjective nature of truth and perception.The structure of the book is well-organized, with clear transitions between different phases of Ankana's journey.
An Author's Secret is a thoughtfully crafted mystery that offers more than just suspense; it provides a deep exploration of human emotions and relationships.This book is a solid recommendation for readers who enjoy a well-plotted thriller with a touch of introspection on the power of storytelling and the elusive nature of truth.
Rating:- 5/5
Ankana serves as a strong and relatable protagonist. Author portrays her internal struggles and evolving determination convincingly. Her desire to understand her brother and his work, coupled with her growing unease about the content of his novel, drives the narrative forward.
Author’s writing is noted for its clarity and engaging prose. The narrative is well-paced, maintaining suspense without overwhelming the reader.The author manages to balance the internal thoughts and feelings of Ankana with the external unfolding of the mystery, creating a well-rounded reading experience.
The book also touches upon family secrets, the complexities of estranged relationships, and the subjective nature of truth and perception.The structure of the book is well-organized, with clear transitions between different phases of Ankana's journey.
An Author's Secret is a thoughtfully crafted mystery that offers more than just suspense; it provides a deep exploration of human emotions and relationships.This book is a solid recommendation for readers who enjoy a well-plotted thriller with a touch of introspection on the power of storytelling and the elusive nature of truth.
Rating:- 5/5
August 13, 2025
Review – An Author’s Secret
If Verity by Colleen Hoover had a redemption, this would be it not because it’s the same kind of story, but because it captures that same intoxicating pull where fiction and reality start blurring only here, the ending feels like a punch you didn’t see coming.
An Author’s Secret is more than a mystery novel it’s a layered, emotional journey about grief, creative pressure, and the secrets that live between the lines. The premise is irresistible: Ankana, a reluctant half-sister to the late, celebrated author Havish, is tasked with completing his unfinished manuscript. What begins as an act of tribute turns into an unraveling obsession, as she discovers that the story she’s writing might be telling her the truth about Havish’s death.
The pacing is masterful. The tension doesn’t just come from what happened but from how much Ankana is willing to risk to know. Krishav, Havish’s publisher and friend, is the kind of quietly supportive presence that anchors the chaos, but even he feels like a puzzle you’re not entirely sure how to solve.
What stood out most to me was the writing motivation subtly woven into the plot. This isn’t just a thriller; it’s also a love letter to every writer who has doubted themselves, stared too long at a blank page, and wondered if they’d ever get it right.
By the time the last chapter closes, the questions linger not just about Havish’s death, but about trust, truth, and how much of ourselves we’re willing to give to a story.
Over all a 5✨/5
If Verity by Colleen Hoover had a redemption, this would be it not because it’s the same kind of story, but because it captures that same intoxicating pull where fiction and reality start blurring only here, the ending feels like a punch you didn’t see coming.
An Author’s Secret is more than a mystery novel it’s a layered, emotional journey about grief, creative pressure, and the secrets that live between the lines. The premise is irresistible: Ankana, a reluctant half-sister to the late, celebrated author Havish, is tasked with completing his unfinished manuscript. What begins as an act of tribute turns into an unraveling obsession, as she discovers that the story she’s writing might be telling her the truth about Havish’s death.
The pacing is masterful. The tension doesn’t just come from what happened but from how much Ankana is willing to risk to know. Krishav, Havish’s publisher and friend, is the kind of quietly supportive presence that anchors the chaos, but even he feels like a puzzle you’re not entirely sure how to solve.
What stood out most to me was the writing motivation subtly woven into the plot. This isn’t just a thriller; it’s also a love letter to every writer who has doubted themselves, stared too long at a blank page, and wondered if they’d ever get it right.
By the time the last chapter closes, the questions linger not just about Havish’s death, but about trust, truth, and how much of ourselves we’re willing to give to a story.
Over all a 5✨/5
August 19, 2025
The Author's Secret is a fast-paced mystery-thriller and a complete page-turner. It blends mystery, family emotions, and the harsh realities of life. The story follows Ankana, an electronic showroom supervisor and aspiring author, who takes on the challenge of completing her late brother Havish’s unfinished novel after his tragic accident. But as she works on it, she begins to suspect that the story might be based on a real-life secret connected to her. Is it true? And will she be able to finish it?
The plot is gripping and immersive, with well-maintained mystery elements. Even though I could predict parts of it, I still enjoyed reading till the end, as the debut author’s writing feels seasoned and confident. Surprise twists appear at the right moments, building tension and keeping the excitement intact. The straightforward narration is honest and impactful, while the suspenseful web keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The characters are well-developed, especially Ankana, whose journey feels real and relatable. Her growth and transformation stand out, and her emotions are well conveyed through the narrative. The context switches and the “plot within a plot” device are handled nicely, adding depth to the storytelling. Though the pacing fluctuates between fast and slow, the engaging writing style balances it well.
Overall, An Author’s Secret is thought-provoking, suspenseful, and an engaging read that lingers with you even after the last page.
The plot is gripping and immersive, with well-maintained mystery elements. Even though I could predict parts of it, I still enjoyed reading till the end, as the debut author’s writing feels seasoned and confident. Surprise twists appear at the right moments, building tension and keeping the excitement intact. The straightforward narration is honest and impactful, while the suspenseful web keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The characters are well-developed, especially Ankana, whose journey feels real and relatable. Her growth and transformation stand out, and her emotions are well conveyed through the narrative. The context switches and the “plot within a plot” device are handled nicely, adding depth to the storytelling. Though the pacing fluctuates between fast and slow, the engaging writing style balances it well.
Overall, An Author’s Secret is thought-provoking, suspenseful, and an engaging read that lingers with you even after the last page.
August 19, 2025
“Don’t judge a book ty its cover!” they say and it turned out true concerning this book. When I first saw the cover, I thought it would be some boring mystery. But boy! I was wrong. This book took me by surprise with its plain sailing and a tad bit humorous narration with twists. It is worth reading.
The most intriguing part of the book is the double mystery decoded by the protagonist. The first half of the book hooked me while the latter half of the book made my predictions true. All the characters and the plot were written with finesse that impressed me with the storyline besides leaving us in deep thoughts about our choices in life.
The protagonist who is fiercely independent yet soft-hearted, has to finish the novel started by her half-brother. The best part is here, where, she had to predict the mystery which was half finished by her late brother. This is where I commend the author the most. Although there were many clues to predict the story, the meticulous narration has won my heart. I've just realised the potency that words could carry from this novel. It could make a good web series if filmed.
While coming to mysteries I hate to divulge much about the characters or the plot. So, here I am sharing my thoughts after reading. If you are a sucker for mysteries, do give it a read!
The most intriguing part of the book is the double mystery decoded by the protagonist. The first half of the book hooked me while the latter half of the book made my predictions true. All the characters and the plot were written with finesse that impressed me with the storyline besides leaving us in deep thoughts about our choices in life.
The protagonist who is fiercely independent yet soft-hearted, has to finish the novel started by her half-brother. The best part is here, where, she had to predict the mystery which was half finished by her late brother. This is where I commend the author the most. Although there were many clues to predict the story, the meticulous narration has won my heart. I've just realised the potency that words could carry from this novel. It could make a good web series if filmed.
While coming to mysteries I hate to divulge much about the characters or the plot. So, here I am sharing my thoughts after reading. If you are a sucker for mysteries, do give it a read!
August 20, 2025
This book slowly grew on me. When I first started the book, I felt it was a nice start and I enjoyed it well, but then when Ankana started reading the novel, the thriller one she was supposed to finish, I was intrigued. The story within the story was enthralling, and I must say I was so into it that I forgot that it felt like I was reading an entirely different book. The plot was compelling, and it is a definite page-turner for me.
I am a thriller girlie and this time around I felt like a little author and detective myself, I was constructing theories, stories and probabilities along with Ankana. This is like behind the Scenes of writing a thriller novel. I felt like solving a puzzle piece by piece. The way she constructed the story, the hidden clues, mystery, it was so exciting to read. When you thought everything was done, then BAM!! The connection from story to reality made my jaw drop.
The investigation part and everything was a fun part, one thing I felt though was the first time Ankana talked to Patil (inspector), though she felt guarded and all but it doesn't make her interrogate a freaking inspector. It felt a little odd, but that's it; other than that, everything was pretty amazing. I love it, and I think all the book lovers and thriller-loving people would love this book.
I am a thriller girlie and this time around I felt like a little author and detective myself, I was constructing theories, stories and probabilities along with Ankana. This is like behind the Scenes of writing a thriller novel. I felt like solving a puzzle piece by piece. The way she constructed the story, the hidden clues, mystery, it was so exciting to read. When you thought everything was done, then BAM!! The connection from story to reality made my jaw drop.
The investigation part and everything was a fun part, one thing I felt though was the first time Ankana talked to Patil (inspector), though she felt guarded and all but it doesn't make her interrogate a freaking inspector. It felt a little odd, but that's it; other than that, everything was pretty amazing. I love it, and I think all the book lovers and thriller-loving people would love this book.
September 17, 2025
AN AUTHOR'S SECRET
The kind of thriller that pulls you into the shadows and makes you question what’s real and what’s imagined. At its heart, it’s not just about solving a mystery, it’s about living inside one.
We meet Ankana, a woman with an ordinary life, who suddenly finds herself holding her late brother’s unfinished manuscript. What starts as an opportunity soon turns into a haunting, because the book she’s trying to finish begins to mirror something darker, something too close to reality.
Vishwanath builds tension masterfully. Each chapter feels like peeling back layers of a candlelit room, where every corner hides a secret. The narrative is atmospheric, the writing crisp, and the mystery unfolds with just the right amount of unease.
What I loved most is how this isn’t a typical whodunit, it’s psychological. You’re pulled into Ankana’s doubts: Is she paranoid, or uncovering the truth? The book blurs that boundary until the final page.
If you enjoy dark academia vibes, gothic libraries, and thrillers with depth, this one will keep you reading past midnight. It’s eerie, clever, and unsettling in the best way.
August 17, 2025
Author's Secret was an interesting book! I was hooked into the story from the beginning because of the concept and suspense. The writing was straightforward and enjoyable, so it was an easy book to read. A real page-turner in that I went through without being bored at any point!
The plot was inventive and kept you on your toes with unpredictable twists and turns along the way. I figured out the ending before it was revealed and still enjoyed the ride. The author did a good job of keeping suspense alive, so you felt compelled to see how each event unfolded.
I liked that it was attention-grabbing, but not difficult to read. Sometimes a mystery or suspense novel gets heavy and convoluted, but this was balanced enough to be clear while still suspenseful. The story was also a very fresh experience and it was just paced enough to be a light entertainment read.
If you like light thrillers, light mysteries which are unique with a crafty ending, then this book is a good pick. A fun and engaging read all over!
The plot was inventive and kept you on your toes with unpredictable twists and turns along the way. I figured out the ending before it was revealed and still enjoyed the ride. The author did a good job of keeping suspense alive, so you felt compelled to see how each event unfolded.
I liked that it was attention-grabbing, but not difficult to read. Sometimes a mystery or suspense novel gets heavy and convoluted, but this was balanced enough to be clear while still suspenseful. The story was also a very fresh experience and it was just paced enough to be a light entertainment read.
If you like light thrillers, light mysteries which are unique with a crafty ending, then this book is a good pick. A fun and engaging read all over!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews